“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15

In many ways this Bible verse encapsulates the SAT-7 Ethos. We are Christians, and we “are not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes,” Romans 1:12.

This next week Christians around the world will remember Christ’s death and resurrection. It will be reenacted in various “Passion Plays” ranging from animated tales, to puppet shows, to people allowing real nails to be hammered into their own flesh to commemorate Christ’s death on the cross (an horrific annual tradition in part of the Philippines).

“…watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Deuteronomy 4:9

In this verse from Deuteronomy we see God challenging his people to “watch” themselves and their lifestyles; to remember the many miraculous things they have seen.

The news isn’t good in the Middle East at the beginning of 2010: Arab Christians in Iraq and Egypt were attacked and several were killed as they left a church service on Christmas Eve, in Iran political unrest continues unabated, and in the Palestinian areas instability and economic suffering threaten the very existence of the Christian community in Bethlehem, the city of Christ’s birth.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Isaiah 9: 2 & 6

I recently met with many of SAT-7’s Partners, who came from around the world to take part in our annual Network conference. It was a wonderful time as we heard reports of what God is doing through SAT-7’s channels. We listened intently as Ramez Atallah, General Secretary of the Bible Society of Egypt, challenged us as individuals, and as a ministry, to be the means through which Christ’s message is manifest.

SAT-7 began broadcasting SAT-7 ARABIC and SAT-7 KIDS on the Atlantic Bird 4 (AB4) satellite on the first of this month. This is extremely exciting news, and an answer to prayer, because it means that millions more people are now able to watch SAT-7! Why? Because the AB4 satellite is co-located with the popular Egyptian Nilesat satellite. So now anyone who has a satellite dish aimed at Nilesat can also receive SAT-7! Please join us in thanking God for this opportunity that recently became available.

I have some very exciting news...If you have never given to SAT-7 before you can now QUADRUPLE the impact of your gift!! During this time when the global economy is suffering, members of the US Board of SAT-7 feel so passionately about the importance of SAT-7’s goals in 2009 that they will give three US dollars for the equivalent of every one dollar given to SAT-7 by someone who has not supported the ministry before. This offer is valid until January 15, 2010.